Orange Countysheriff's Department Sheriff-coroner Don Barnes Office of the Sheriff August 4, 2021 Honorable Erick L*

There is a security risk at the Theo Lacy Facility where it is separated from the vacant Orange County Animal Shelter facility by a chain link fence. Response: Partially agrees with finding. The fence separating the Theo Lacy Facility from the vacant Animal Shelter is a double fence (essentially two layers of fencing) with razor wire atop both fences. The area adjacent to the fence is a restricted area, utilized only by lower security inmates who are monitored and do not pose a significant escape risk. While there is currently no security risk at this site, if the vacant Orange County Animal Shelter were repurposed for private development it would be necessary to have a stronger barrier.

Security at the Attorney Bonds Entrance area at the Central Men's Jail is inadequate to prevent trafficking of contraband through contact visits. Response: Partially agrees with finding. Sheriff's Department personnel work to prevent the trafficking of contraband at all jail locations. The physical layout of the Attorney Bonds area at the Central Men's Jail does pose unique security challenges that do not occur at the Theo Lacy facility.

The front desk at the main entrance of the Theo Lacy Facility does not provide enough separation between OCSD personnel and the general public. Response: Agrees with finding. An additional physical barrier at the front desk located in the Theo Lacy Facility lobby would enhance security for OCSD personnel.

Lack of mandatory COVID testing for jail personnel creates a high risk of infection to inmates and others. Response: Disagrees with findings. The department follows CDC guidelines and has put several protocols in place to protect the jail population against COVID-19.

Due to the lack of trained OCSD personnel, the Intake and Release Center's scanning device is not used consistently to prevent contraband from entering the facility. Response: Disagrees with finding The ability to use the scanning device is not a result of insufficient training. The availability of staff can at times impact the use of the scanning device.

Orange County jail and detainee transportation systems lack computer integration with the Court holding facilities, creating a need for a hard copy trail of documents. Response: Agrees with finding Deputies maintain a hard copy trail of documents in order to ensure a proper accounting of information on each inmate.

AB-109 reimbursements do not cover actual costs for Orange County inmates. Response: Agrees with finding AB-109 has significantly changed the nature of local jail populations. Reimbursements have not adequately covered all costs associated with the impacts of this legislation.

The Grand Jury has found the jails and facilities to be acceptable and in overall compliance with state and federal standards. Response: Agrees with finding.